Dawn's Awakening

New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh takes us on an erotic thrill ride with her series about genetically altered Breeds with feline DNA—and the humans who arouse their lust…

The runt of the lab she was created in, Dawn Daniels endured years of torture by her pride brother and the council soldiers. Finally freed from her torment, she’s now a Breed Enforcer, in control of her own life. Until she’s assigned to protect the one man destined to be her mate—and realizes it’s far too easy to lose total control…One of the Breed’s most important supporters, Seth Lawrence has spent years trying to forget Dawn, knowing that her lost innocence has made it impossible for her to get close to anyone. But suddenly neither of them can find the strength to fight the overwhelming passion between them. At least until the most brutal tormenter from Dawn’s past reappears—and threatens to destroy their newfound love, along with their lives…

Heedless of the consequences Dawn moved around the table quickly and reached for him. But before she could touch, before she could feel the warmth of his flesh through his clothes, he turned on her.

Dawn stared back at him face in fascination. The anger that tightened his features, the pure fury that darkened his eyes.

“Don’t touch me, Dawn.” His eyes were as cold as ice. “I’ve been ten years getting over the effect you have on me. Ten fucking years getting my own life back. I won’t allow you to destroy the progress I made.”

And it hit her then. She inhaled, her lips parting as she realized, Seth was no longer in mating heat.

Dawn stumbled back at half step, the breath suddenly slicing into her lungs at the realization that she had lost him, completely lost him.

His lips twisted mockingly, furiously. “Not when mates are together, perhaps. Not when they touch, when they love. Not when there’s something more binding holding them together than the brief little contacts we had Dawn.” His gaze flickered over her, regret shimmering within the anger. “There wasn’t even a kiss to bind us, was there sweetheart? Just my determination and arrogance. That doesn’t get a man far, does it?”

But she was still his mate. The thought was disjointed, unconnected as her gaze went over him, her senses reaching for him. There was none of her scent on him, no sign of the mating heat or of arousal. She was only barely aware of the furious little growl that came from her throat.

“There you go. Another reason you won’t be part of this operation. Because I’ll be damned if I let your effect on me destroy me again. Do us both a favor, Agent Daniels. Stay the hell away from me.”

He jerked the door opened and stalked out of the room, brushing past the others while she stared at his back in horrified awareness.